Technical data
170  •  Fieldbus Communication 
 ETHERNET 
 WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM 750 
BACnet/IP Controller 
4.1.2.3 Coupler Modules 
There are a number of hardware modules that allow for flexible arrangement 
for setting up an ETHERNET network. They also offer important functions, 
some of which are very similar. 
The following table defines and compares these modules and is intended to 
simplify the correct selection and appropriate application of them. 
Module  Characteristics/application  ISO/OSI 
layer 
Repeater  Amplifier for signal regeneration, connection on a physical level.  1 
Bridge  Segmentation of networks to increase the length.  2 
Switch  Multiport bridge, meaning each port has a separate bridge func-
tion. 
Logically separates network segments, thereby reducing network 
traffic. 
Consistent use makes ETHERNET collision-free. 
2 (3) 
Hub  Used to create star topologies, supports various transmission 
media, does not prevent any network collisions. 
2 
Router  Links two or more data networks. 
Matches topology changes and incompatible packet sizes (e.g. 
used in industrial and office areas). 
3 
Gateway  Links two manufacturer-specific networks which use different 
software and hardware (i.e., ETHERNET and Interbus-Loop). 
4-7 
Tab. 4-2: Comparison of Coupler Modules for Networks 
4.1.2.4 Transmission Mode 
Some ETHERNET based WAGO couplers/controllers support both 10Mbit/s 
and 100Mbit/s for either full or half duplex operation. To guarantee a safe and 
fast transmission, both these couplers/controllers and their link partners must 
be configured for the same transmission mode. 
Attention 
A faulty configuration of the transmission mode may result in a link loss con-
dition, a poor network performance or a faulty behavior of the cou-
pler/controller. 
The IEEE 802.3u ETHERNET standard defines two possibilities for configur-
ing the transmission modes: 
•  Static configuration 
•  Dynamic configuration 










